Shortlisted in the top 10 for best thrifty blog & best crafting blog

Shortlisted in the top 7 best craft blog category

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

There isn't an awful lot one can do whilst off sick (other than trawling the internet and occasionally blogging) and soap making definitely seemed too onerous a task. However, the nice folks at 'AO at Home' had already posted a soap making kit my way (as part of a competition) and I thought it would be rude not to give it a go. Believe me when I say this whole soap making malarkey was actually pretty effortless, at least my version of it. All it took was a bit of chopping ( the soap block), a few short rounds of microwaving and a tiny bit of creative energy. Here is how I did it..

You will need:

A soap base. I was sent a Stephenson version. You can also buy other varieties on the Hobbycraft or Amazon websites.

Moulds. You can also buy these online or use whatever is available at home. Cake moulds, muffin trays or even ice cube trays could work.

A chopping board and knife

A microwave for melting the soap base ( although you could also use the gas hob)

Fragrance. I like pure essential oils and I used a lavender one which my mother-in-law sent me a while ago. You are spoilt for choice online.

Dried lavender for decoration. You can use anything else you fancy ( orange peel, dried flowers etc) but it makes sense to match your fragrance and decorations.

Edible champagne glitter. I like the idea of looking 'sparkly' clean.

Method:

Cut the soap base into smaller chunks for ease of melting.

Melt in the microwave ( no more than 90 seconds typically for a small batch)

Add a few drops of essential oil to the melted base.

Add a few drops of essential oil and glitter to the bottom of your moulds

Pour the melted soap up to around halfway mark.

Add the lavender sprig and more glitter and allow to cool for about 15 mins.

Pour more melted soap on top and finish with a bit for oil and sparkle. You don't need more than 3-4 drops of fragrance oil per soap unit but it is entirely a matter of personal choice.

Allow to cool for about 30 minutes in the fridge.

Once the soap is completely hard, lightly run a sharp knife around the edge of the soap and push the soap chunk out of the mould.

Package prettily. I used the Paperchase wrapper shown in the photos to give it a 'Claus Porto' effect.

And that is it people. A super easy DIY and posh organic soap is yours without costing much at all! Let me know how you get on with making your own soap too! Ann x